I’tikaf – Ramadan Digest (Day 19)
I’tikaf, a retreat for the soul. This spiritual retreat, performed in the last ten days of Ramadan, allows us to detach from worldly distractions and dedicate ourselves entirely to the worship of Allah. I’tikaf is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), where people seclude themselves in a mosque to devote their time to prayer, supplication, and reflection. The purpose is to seek closeness to Allah and intensify worship, particularly in pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr.
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “He who observes the ten days of I’tikaf during Ramadan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.”(Bayhaqi)
How to Perform I’tikaf?
Choose a Mosque: I’tikaf must be observed in a mosque where congregational prayers are held.
Set an Intention: Begin with a sincere intention to dedicate your time solely to worship.
Engage in Worship: Recite Qur’an, engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), make Du’a, and perform voluntary prayers.
Avoid Distractions: Refrain from unnecessary conversations and activities that divert focus from spiritual growth.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Tonight’s Taraweeh at Masjid Al Haram will be led by:
Sheikh Badr Turki, Sheikh Waleed Shamsan and Sheikh Sudais (Witr)
Global Ramadan News & Updates
Nigeria: The Kano State government says its Ramadan feeding programme has created jobs for hundreds of residents while providing meals for vulnerable people. Commissioner for Religious Affairs Ahmad Auwal said the programme operates 115 feeding centres across the state, up from 95 last year. Each centre distributes about 1,000 plates of food daily during the fasting month.
Nigeria: Islamic scholars are urging Muslims to prepare for iʿtikāf, the spiritual retreat traditionally observed during the final 10 days of Ramadan. The practice involves staying in a mosque for worship, Qur’an recitation and prayer while avoiding distractions and unnecessary social activity.
United Arab Emirates: Authorities in Dubai say 37 beggars of various nationalities have been arrested during an intensified Ramadan anti-begging campaign. Police said the operation aims to prevent people from exploiting the charitable spirit of the holy month and urged residents to donate through official charity channels.
Tanzania: Thousands gathered at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar for one of the island’s largest communal iftar events. Organisers said the gathering aimed to promote unity and showcase the archipelago as a destination of peace and coexistence during Ramadan.
Libya: Ramadan celebrations in Tripoli have been overshadowed by soaring food prices, fuel shortages and economic hardship. Residents say rising costs for staples such as cooking oil, meat and poultry are straining household budgets as the country continues to grapple with political divisions years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
Today’s Challenge
If You Can, Perform I’tikaf: Dedicate time to secluded worship, even if for a few hours. Reduce phone usage and focus on Qur’an, Dhikr, and Salah. Invite friends or family to engage in extra acts of worship.
Did You Know?
The Prophet (pbuh) Performed I’tikaf Every Year: In his final year, he observed 20 days of I’tikaf instead of the usual 10.
I’tikaf Is an Act of Isolation but Not Loneliness: Angels pray for those who remain in seclusion for worship.
Jannah’s ground is made of musk, and its bricks are of gold and silver(Tirmidhi).
The shade of Allah’s Throne will be given to seven types of people, including a just leader, a youth who worships Allah, and those who love each other for Allah’s sake(Bukhari).
Qur’an Verse of the Day
“And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques.”(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Hadiths
A’ishah (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. Then his wives continued the practice after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Muslim 1172)
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated: “The Prophet used to observe I’tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I’tikaf for twenty days. He used to show more devotion in worship in the last ten nights than at any other time.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2044, Muslim 1175)
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